Vishal Agarwal shares how a frustrating airport restaurant experience, where he was nearly late for a flight because he couldn’t find a way to pay his bill, sparked the idea that became Checkmate. What began as a mobile payment concept quickly pivoted into integrating third party delivery platforms directly into restaurant POS systems. In this episode, Agarwal explains how solving real operational problems helped Checkmate grow into a platform supporting thousands of restaurant brands.

Real Problems Build Real Products – Checkmate did not start as a delivery integration platform. Vishal Agarwal’s first idea was a mobile payment app. The company pivoted after a restaurant operator showed him the real problem: a counter full of delivery tablets pulling staff away from guests.
Enterprise Sales Runs on Timing – Checkmate’s first enterprise client, Five Guys, came from an elevator conversation at a conference. Agarwal believes large brands buy on their own timeline. Founders must stay available, build trust, and be ready when the moment comes.
Menus Are the Hidden Challenge – Most POS systems were built for in-store ordering. Today restaurants manage menus across delivery apps, kiosks, websites, and more. Extracting menus from the POS allows operators to optimize each channel while maintaining brand consistency.

Episode Links

Vishal Agarwal LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vishalagarwal82/
Checkmate Online: https://www.itsacheckmate.com/
Checkmate LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/itsacheckmate/
Checkmate YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKDPX--cVJ2uPtnS_6sC1hA
Checkmate Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsacheckmate
Checkmate Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/itsacheckmate/

Go to the National Restaurant Show 2026: https://nationalrestaurantshow.com

Use our promo code SHAWN26 for $26 off registration! Disclaimer: Promotional offer is valid through 5/8/2026. Offer is redeemable through online registration and is only valid for operators. Offer cannot be combined with any other promotion and does not apply to current 2026 Show registrants. Non-exhibiting suppliers are subject to a higher badge rate. #2026RestaurantShow

Checkmate’s digital menu boards help restaurants increase average check size by surfacing the right add-ons and offers at the right moment. In a recent 30-day test with a national QSR brand, average check size increased by nearly $1 per order, about a 6% lift, with no extra labor and no slower lines.

Learn more at https://www.itsacheckmate.com

Where to find Cali BBQ Media

How Checkmate Helps Restaurants Eliminate Tablet Chaos & Scale Digital Ordering